Over the past two years, I have given much thought to the idea of once again serving on the Maynard School Committee. During the 10 years I previously sat on the committee (2001-2011), we introduced many initiatives to strengthen the Maynard school system. After being away for six years, I feel strongly that I have the skills, qualities, time and experience to add value to the current committee in an effort to "push the envelope," making the Maynard school system the best it can be for our current and future children.

Providing all children with a quality, competitive education has always been a top priority and passion for me. Most of my community work for the past 30 years has been focused on making contributions that will positively impact Maynard children. Besides serving on the School Committee, I have been on the school improvement councils at Green Meadow and Fowler schools, worked with the Boys & Girls Club in numerous capacities, have been a member of the Maynard Education Foundation since its creation in 2000 and have been on the Maynard High School Scholarship Committee for the past eight years. I have also been the president of the Maynard Food Pantry since its doors opened in 1992.

I truly believe that the strongest school committees have consisted of members who represent experience at all levels of the school system, namely, pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and beyond. My goal is to offer that experience and expertise specifically at the middle and upper grade levels as well as working very hard to help our students succeed when they move beyond Maynard High School. There is definite value in researching other school systems to learn from their best practices. Additionally, having a good relationship with the Board of Selectmen is essential in working together to create a budget that is best for the schools as well as the other town departments.

As a local realtor, I also fully understand the value of a very good school system when young couples and families are considering where they want to raise their children. I am regularly talking to them about the strengths and attributes of the Maynard school system. There is nothing I enjoy more than bragging about how well Maynard students are performing during their school years and their successes after they graduate from Maynard High School.

Unlike larger school systems where changes take longer to incorporate, Maynard has the wonderful ability to make improvements faster because we have one elementary, middle and high school. I would very much like the opportunity to once again be part of the Maynard School Committee to continue to enhance the educational experience for Maynard students.

I would very much appreciate your vote on Tuesday, May 2 to continue to help Maynard schools be the best they can be for all of our children. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.